Monday, July 18, 2022

Beacon Hill recap: Conf Committee reaches agreement on FY 23 budget; Negro Election Day on Gov Baker's desk for approval

"Lawmakers strike deal for $52 billion budget, including more cash for embattled MBTA "

"More than two weeks after their fiscal year started, Massachusetts legislative leaders on Sunday unveiled an agreement on a $52 billion state budget bill they said would dedicate hundreds of millions of additional dollars to the MBTA, sock away more cash in the state’s savings account, and includes $1.8 billion more in spending than either the House or Senate initially approved.

The $51.9 billion spending plan, which lawmakers expect to pass and send to Governor Charlie Baker on Monday, reflects the state’s heady fiscal times, with tax revenues flowing far above estimates and lawmakers simultaneously racing to pass a separate $1 billion tax relief proposal by month’s end."
Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

The details of the Conference Committee report can be found on the MA Legislature page ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/07/the-conference-committee-report-on-ma.html

"‘African Americans have enriched Massachusetts for centuries’: Mass. lawmakers approve Negro Election Day holiday"
"Decades before the country’s founding, some Black Americans in Massachusetts could participate in a limited form of self-governance. And on Thursday, Massachusetts lawmakers backed a new state holiday to honor that long tradition of civic power.

The bill, which still needs Governor Charlie Baker’s approval, would set aside the third Saturday in July as Negro Election Day, recognizing the adoption of the first Black voting system in Massachusetts in 1741 — when Black people could still be held in bondage by white slaveholders. " 
Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

Legislative leaders beefed up spending across the budget, including setting aside $150 million more for a trust fund to help cover the cost of a $1.5 billion school funding law passed in 2019.JESSICA RINALDI/GLOBE STAFF
Legislative leaders beefed up spending across the budget, including setting aside $150 million more for a trust fund to help cover the cost of a $1.5 billion school funding law passed in 2019.JESSICA RINALDI/GLOBE STAFF


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Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Monday, July 18, 2022

  • wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Monday

9 AM 12 PM and 6 PM Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick & Todd Monjur
2 hours of awesome blues music, info, interviews

11 AM 2 PM and 8 PM A More Perfect Union – with Dr. Michael Walker-Jones,
Representative Jeff Roy and Dr. Natalia Linos

  • Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26) = MONDAY

8:00 am SAFE Coalition: Michelle Palladini
9:00 am FHS Graduation 2022
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin': Peppers
12:30 pm Sandhya: Donuts
1:00 pm Cooking Thyme: Lobstah
1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Meat-Lovers Pt. 2
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Fall 2019 Show 6
3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 12
4:00 pm Metrowest Symposium: Sharing Identity on Social Media
5:30 pm Senior Connection: Hearing Loss
6:00 pm Veterans' Call: Dave Hencke
7:00 pm Let's Talk Sports: Unified Basketball
7:30 pm Frank Presents: Caron Grupposo
8:30 pm FSPA: Spring Concert Show 1

  • Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 96, Verizon 28) = MONDAY

7:00 am Public School Concert: MICCA Showcase Pt. 1 03-14-18
10:00 am Public School Event: Remington Spring Music '22
12:00 pm Public School Event: Horace Mann Spring Music '22
2:00 pm SAFE Coalition: Michelle Palladini
3:00 pm Let's Talk Sports: Unified Basketball
4:00 pm FHS Varsity Baseball: v Catholic Memorial 04-20-22
6:30 pm FHS Girls Varsity Lacrosse: v Concord-Carlisle 04-30-22
8:30 pm Critical Conversations: Social Media

  • Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 11, Verizon 29) = MONDAY

8:00 am Planning Board: 07-11-22
2:00 pm Planning Board: 07-11-22


Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf  

Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm)
Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm)
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Sunday, July 17, 2022

The Conference Committee report on MA FY 2023 budget for your reading pleasure

"The House and Senate appoint three members each to a "Conference Committee" to reconcile the differences between the House and Senate proposals. One member of the minority party must be appointed by each branch. The Conference Committee reports a final compromise bill to the House and Senate for a final vote of acceptance in each branch."

From this link -> https://malegislature.gov/Budget/ConferenceCommittee

You can download H.5050  https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H5050.pdf

11A Insides ->  https://malegislature.gov/Reports/13689/FY%202023%20Conference%2011A.pdf

11A Outsides ->   https://malegislature.gov/Reports/13690/FY23%20Outside%20Sections%2011A%20FINAL.pdf

The Conference Committee report on MA FY 2023 budget for your reading pleasure
The Conference Committee report on MA FY 2023 budget for your reading pleasure
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Franklin, MA: Town Council - Meeting Agenda - July 20, 2022 - 7 PM

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL
Agenda & Meeting Packet
July 20, 2022 - 7 PM

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.
b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.
2. CITIZEN COMMENTS
a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. June 8, 2022   
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/3a._june_8_2022_tc_meeting_minutes_-draft_for_review.pdf

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS
a. Proclamation: Margaret (Peg) Simpson
b. Proclamation: Unified Basketball Team

5. APPOINTMENTS

6. HEARINGS - 7:00 pm - None Scheduled.
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled.

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION
a. Presentation: Elks Rider Donation Presentation
b. Discussion: Disposition of Town-owned land containing South Franklin Meeting House  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8b._old_south_church.pdf

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a. Resolution 22-43: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Department ($2,000) (Motion to
b. Resolution 22-44: Authoring Tax Increment Financing, Plansee USA LLC, 115 Constitution
Boulevard (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-44 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9b._1_22-44.pdf
c. Resolution 22-45: Transfer of Care, Custody, Management and Control of Davis-Thayer
Elementary School from School Committee to Town Council (Motion to Approve Resolution
d. Resolution 22-46: Gift Acceptance - Historical Commission ($2,000) (Motion to Approve
e. Resolution 22-47: Gift Acceptance - Disability Commission ($2,000) (Motion to Approve
f. Bylaw Amendment 22-881: Chapter 7 Affordable Housing Trust Fund: Add Vice Chair and Clerk positions, 1st reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 22-881 to Second Reading -
g. Bylaw Amendment 22-882: Chapter 4 Admin. of Govt.: Authorize Town Clerk to make format changes, 1st reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 22-882 to Second Reading -
h. Resolution 22-55: Town Council’s Local Authorization and Approval for Conduct of 2022 State Elections, as Required by Chapter 92 of Legislative Acts of 2022 (Motion to Approve

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
b. Town Administrator Five Year Fiscal Forecast

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Budget Subcommittee
c. Economic Development Subcommittee

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
a. Collective Bargaining
i. Exemption #3: Collective Bargaining (DPW, Custodians, Facilities, Library, Firefighters, Police Sergeants) - To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the public body and the chair so declares.

15. RETURN TO OPEN SESSION
a. Resolution 22-48: Ratification of the Memorandum of Agreement Between the Public Library Staff Association and the Town of Franklin (Motion to approve Resolution 22-48 - Majority Roll Call Vote)
b. Resolution 22-49: Ratification of the Memorandum of Agreement Between the DPW Union and the Town of Franklin (Motion to approve Resolution 22-49 - Majority Roll Call Vote)
c. Resolution 22-50:Ratification of the Memorandum of Agreement Between the Custodians Union and the Town of Franklin (Motion to approve Resolution 22-50 - Majority Roll Call Vote)
d. Resolution 22-51: Ratification of the Memorandum of Agreement Between the Public Facilities Union and the Town of Franklin (Motion to approve Resolution 22-51 - Majority Roll Call Vote)
e. Resolution 22-52:Ratification of the Memorandum of Agreement Between the Professional
Firefighters of Franklin and the Town of Franklin (Motion to approve Resolution 22-52 -
Majority Roll Call Vote)
f. Resolution 22-53: Ratification of the Memorandum of Agreement Between the Franklin Police Sergeants Union and the Town of Franklin (Motion to approve Resolution 22-53 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

16. ADJOURN

Note:
Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting 


South Franklin Congregational Meeting House
South Franklin Congregational Meeting House
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Franklin TV: SCOTUS - John Marshall Harlan, The Great Dissenter

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 07/17/2022

Peter Canellos
Peter Canellos
We have an upcoming two-part program for ‘A More Perfect Union’. Our Radio Roundtable had the pleasure of sitting with Peter Canellos, author of John Marshall Harlan, The Great Dissenter. Through Harlan’s life and career as a Supreme Court Justice we learn much about the Court of his day, and about how it and his powerful dissenting opinions reverberate with enduring relevance through the decades to advance the cause of true equality even today.

They say that history is written by the victors. But not in the case of the most famous dissenter on the Supreme Court. Almost a century after his death, John Marshall Harlan’s words helped end segregation and gave us our civil rights and our modern economic freedom. Harlan’s dissents, particularly in Plessy v. Ferguson, were widely read and a source of hope for decades. Thurgood Marshall called Harlan’s Plessy dissent his “Bible”— and his legal roadmap to overturning segregation. In the end, Harlan’s words built the foundations for the legal revolutions of the New Deal and Civil Rights eras.
The Great Dissenter
The Great Dissenter

Spanning from the Civil War to the Civil Rights movement and beyond, The Great Dissenter is a “magnificent” (Douglas Brinkley) and “thoroughly researched” (The New York Times) rendering of the American legal system’s most significant failures and most inspiring successes.

Few authors are as lucid and fluid in their effortless storytelling as Peter Canellos. You can listen (effortlessly) to his deeply cogent thoughts and insights on 102.9 wfpr, and our next edition of More Perfect Union.

I give his work at least eleven stars out of ten. (Can I do that…? I can do that. Right?)

Listen – and judge for yourself.
And – as always –
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. 
And, thank you for watching.


Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf 

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Senior Story Hour: Episode 043 - Life Advice to a Young Person, Poetry, The Story of Sherku, Christian Camp & more (audio)

In this episode, The Franklin Senior Center share stories, poems, writings plays and more about life advice for a young person in need, the story of Sherku, christian camp and more!

This episode aired on Franklin Radio for July 2022.

Audio file -> https://senior-scribblers.captivate.fm/episode/episode-043-life-advice-to-a-young-person-poetry-the-story-of-sherku-christian-camp-and-more

Senior Story Hour: Episode 043
Senior Story Hour: Episode 043


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Youth track & field meets, Jul 19 & Jul 26 at Franklin High School

"If you haven’t heard yet the Franklin Youth/Open track meets are back. Join us next Tuesday July 19th and again on the 26th! 
Registration and field events start at 5:30 & running events start at 6 PM. $5 gets into as many races as you want!  
Volunteers are also welcome"
Youth track & field meets, Jul 19 & Jul 26 at Franklin High School
Youth track &  field meets, Jul 19 & Jul 26 at Franklin High School

 

Youth track & field meets, Jul 19 & Jul 26 at Franklin High School
Youth track &  field meets, Jul 19 & Jul 26 at Franklin High School 1

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"a housing market with no slack can’t absorb shocks like a pandemic-driven frenzy"

"Massachusetts needs another 108,000 housing units to meet the demand, according to a new national study, which ranks Massachusetts 11th among states in its housing underproduction.

Up for Growth, a Washington, DC-based housing nonprofit whose members include housing developers and economic development organizations, released a report Thursday that examines housing underproduction nationwide.

The problem is national. The New York Times highlighted the report’s finding that housing underproduction is no longer a coastal phenomenon but is spreading across middle America."
Continue reading the CommonWealth Magazine article ->

The New York Times article -> (subscription may be required)

The study referred to in both articles ->

The main driver of the housing shortfall has been the long-term decline in the construction of single-family homes
The main driver of the housing shortfall has been the long-term decline in the construction of single-family homes
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St John's Episcopal Church: Multi-Family Yard Sale - Aug 6

Come shop at the Multi-Family Yard Sale on Saturday, August 6 from 9 AM - 2 PM

Lot’s of great bargains!

St John’s Episcopal Church, 237 Pleasant Street, Franklin

For more information:
Call 508-528-2387  or Email Admin@StJohnsFranklinMA.org
Like us on Facebook  and Twitter
See our website at www.stjohnsfranklinma.org 


St John's Episcopal Church: Multi-Family Yard Sale - Aug 6
St John's Episcopal Church:  Multi-Family Yard Sale - Aug 6
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Franklin DPW update & reminder on water conservation measures in effect due to drought conditions

Hey friends,

Just a reminder we are still in a Level 3 drought here in Franklin. We know your lawns are going into "Dormancy" (i.e. brown) right now, as they should, but please follow the Town's Water Conservation Plan and water only on your Trash and Recycling day during outlined hours.
Remember even though our Water Conservation Plan is required by Mass DEP, it is also important to be a good environmental steward and neighbor and conserve water for all. Franklin draws all drinking water from the ground, not reservoirs or rivers and it is a very limited supply.
FYI, last week as required by DEP, we patrolled the Town looking for violators of the Water Conservation Plan and we had to send out over a 100 letters of warning with possible fines. This is an action we do not like to do, but have to. PLEASE DO NOT MAKE US BE THE WATER POLICE!
If you have a private well, remember you have to put a sign out in front of your property that is clearly visible from the road. This helps the Town and your fellow neighbors know you have a private well. If you have a private well, we recommend you follow the one day a week water plan as your fellow neighbors do because we all draw from the same aquifer.
Helpful links:


https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/data/png/current/current_ma_trd.png
https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/data/png/current/current_ma_trd.png


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Remote meeting extension approved by Legislature, signed by Gov Baker

"On July 14, the House and Senate passed legislation (S. 3007) extending key pandemic-era accommodations, including remote meeting authorizations, to March 31, 2023. Once the governor signs the bill, cities and towns will retain the option to hold public meetings remotely, following the same guidelines that have been in place since the COVID public health emergency was first declared in March of 2020.

Back in May, a remote meeting extension was included in the final FY23 Senate Budget as an outside section, but this language was advanced by the Senate as a standalone bill last week with the July 15 expiration approaching and the final budget still tied up in negotiations. The House later passed its own version of the bill, including language that would have created a permanent mandate for remote access to all public meetings aside from those in executive session, with a provision requiring remote participation by the public if public participation is allowed or required at the meeting. This would have gone into effect on April 1, 2023."

Continue reading the article online from Mass Municipal Assoc (MMA)

Updated via email from MA AG's Division of Open Government

"On July 16, 2022, Governor Baker signed into Law An Act Relative to Extending Certain State of Emergency Accommodations, which, among other things, extends the expiration of the provisions pertaining to the Open Meeting Law to March 31, 2023.  Specifically, this extension allows public bodies to continue holding meetings remotely without a quorum of the public body physically present at a meeting location, and to provide "adequate, alternative" access to remote meetings.  The Act does not make any new changes to the Open Meeting Law other than extending the expiration date of the temporary provisions regarding remote meetings.

In partnership,
 
The Attorney General’s Division of Open Government"

PDF of the email -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1w9ujM7vNCcKF-RQiJ0cIWUKuXuc98FB-/view?usp=sharing 


S.3985 is on the Governor's Desk per the Executive office queue on the Mass.gov page ->  https://www.mass.gov/service-details/on-the-governors-desk

The text of the legislation just approved can be found ->    https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S2985

The Franklin Town Council holds a hybrid meeting. (Photo courtesy town of Franklin)
The Franklin Town Council holds a hybrid meeting. (Photo courtesy town of Franklin)

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Say "NO" to exempt from "a slew of environmental requirements" for a stadium

"The Massachusetts House passed legislation late Thursday that could clear the way for Robert Kraft to build a long-sought soccer stadium for the New England Revolution on a waterfront property steps from the Encore Boston Harbor casino in Everett.

Without floor debate or public input, lawmakers added language to a wide-ranging, multibillion-dollar economic development bill Thursday evening that would exempt the 43-acre industrial property straddling the Everett and Boston line from a slew of environmental requirements so it could be developed as a “sports, recreation or events center.”

Two people briefed on the legislation said the amendment is designed to aid Kraft’s pursuit of a soccer stadium after more than a decade of searching, but repeatedly failing to secure a new home for the Revolution in or around Boston."
Continue reading the article online at the Boston Globe (subscription maybe required)

Seth Godin in his podcast "Akimbo" addresses Stadium subsidies


And while there is economic value to such a proposed exemption, the worth of government subsidies for such stadiums was debunked by the Brookings Institute

Disclosure: yes, I happen to follow the Revolution as a season subscriber but that doesn't change my opinion on the "one" earth we have that is already challenged by climate change. We shouldn't be creating exemptions for this kind of building.

construction on new lighthouse tower at Gillette in June 2022
construction on new lighthouse tower at Gillette in June 2022
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Saturday, July 16, 2022

MassCEC Seeks Participants for Decarbonization Pathways Pilot - converting from fossil fuels to green energy



 
The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) is seeking around 30 homes to participate in the first cohort of the Decarbonization Pathways Pilot. This new pilot will offer technical support, generous financial incentives, and performance monitoring to implement high-efficiency decarbonization measures. This is a great opportunity to get the technical support and financial assistance to bring your home into the 21st century!
 
Please consider applying and share this opportunity with your network. If you have any questions, please contact us at buildings@masscec.com.
 
MassCEC is accepting application between July 15, 2022 and July 31, 2022. 

MassCEC is specifically looking for participants who intend to install whole-home heat pump systems within the coming year and are interested in completely eliminating fossil fuels from their homes during the pilot. We will also be looking for geographic, income, and building type diversity within the cohort.
 
Learn More & Apply
Copyright © 2022 Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you opted in at our website.

Our mailing address is:
Massachusetts Clean Energy Center
294 Washington St.
Suite 1150
Boston, MA 02108
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Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting Agenda - Jul 19, 2022 - 7 PM

Franklin School Committee
July 19, 2022 -7:00 PM
Municipal Building – Council Chambers

Call to Order Ms. Spencer
Pledge of Allegiance
Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business
A. Review of Agenda
B. Payment of Bills Ms. Spencer
C. Payroll Ms. Stokes
D. FHS Student Representative Comments
E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations
A. Franklin Education Foundation Update - Mrs. Carlucci & Mrs. Trahan

III. Discussion/Action Items - None

IV. Discussion Only Items - None

V. Information Matters
A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
B. School Committee Liaison Reports

VI. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes
(i) I recommend approval of the minutes from the June 14, 2022 School
Committee Meeting as detailed.
(ii) I recommend approval of the executive session minutes from the June 14,
2022 School Committee Meeting as detailed.
(iii) I recommend approval of the minutes from the June 27, 2022 School
Committee Meeting as detailed.
(iv) I recommend approval of the executive session minutes from the June 27,
2022 School Committee Meeting as detailed.
B. Declare Surplus
I recommend approval to declare the list of Jefferson Elementary School books as
surplus as detailed.
C. Jefferson Gifts
I recommend acceptance of 2 checks totaling $2,217.14 as follows:
Jefferson PCC - Field Trips $1,813.14
Jefferson 5th Grade Celebration Committee - Supplemental Supplies $404
D. Music Gifts
I recommend acceptance for two checks totaling $3,239.48 as follows:
$ 846.48 Students Field Trip
$2,393.00 Gate MS Spring Concerts In-house enrichment
E. Scholarship
I recommend acceptance of a check for $3,015.00 from the Class of 1972 for a
scholarship as detailed.

VII. Citizen’s Comments

VIII. New Business
To discuss any future agenda items

IX. Adjournment

Agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_7-19-22docx_2.pdf

Meeting packet folder -> 
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/july-19-2022-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting Agenda - Jul 19, 2022 - 7 PM
Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting Agenda - Jul 19, 2022 - 7 PM
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Franklin, MA: School Committee Workshop - Jul 19 at 6 PM

Franklin School Committee
Tuesday, July 19, 2022 - 6:00 PM
Municipal Building – 3rd Floor Training Room


AGENDA

“The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law.”

Call to Order Ms. Spencer

I. School Committee Goal Setting Workshop

Adjournment



Franklin, MA: School Committee Workshop - Jul 19 at 6 PM
Franklin, MA: School Committee Workshop - Jul 19 at 6 PM
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